tourisminvenice, Author at Venice tours

What to do in Venice when it rains

I would like to provide some tips and suggestions for things to do when you are in Venice on a rainy day.

The first advice I can give you, when it rains in Venice, it’s to take a nice gondola ride!

Er … no … maybe it’s not a good idea … unless, of course, you’re Chinese

Established that the gondola ride under the rain is not the best option, what you could do, however, is to visit a shipyard where they build gondolas, or a “squero”; that, to be precise, it does not manufacture only gondolas but any typical Venetian wooden boat, and obviously also maintenance.

Specifically, I recommend two: San Trovaso and Tramontin

San Trovaso is the one that looks like a mountain hut (not by chance, since in the past the manufacture and repair of boats in Venice was mostly entrusted to wood craftsmen who came from the mountains of Cadore) [San Trovaso (https://goo.gl/maps/2uAqgc63CEP2) is just a few steps from the “Zattere” stop - vaporetto lines 2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6]
Tramontin (not far from San Trovaso) less scenic but equally interesting [the nearest stop is San Basilio (https://goo.gl/maps/qoLwW7je3g32) - vaporetto lines 2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6]

In both cases to visit the squero you have to book and pay.

Alternatively you can visit a shop of the other type of handicraft linked to the traditional boats, which is the “remer” (the “remer” is the one who realizes oars and “forcole” – the “forcola” would be the oarlock of Venetian boats) personally I recommend you to visit the Forcolaio Matto shop [behind Santa Sofia, a stone's throw from the “Ca' d'Oro” stop (https://goo.gl/maps/DJhJt8ccaxy) - vaporetto line 1]

Advice n. 2: super classic, commonplace but always operative: let’s visit churches and museums.

Specifically for museums:

must to do: Doge’s Palace. An important detail: included in the same ticket, you also have access to the Correr Musuem, the Archeological Museum and the Marciana Library

if you are looking for something not too crowded: I have two addresses for you: Museo del Settecento Veneziano at Ca’ Rezzonico Palace (the palace itself is already spectacular) [“Ca' Rezzonico” stop (https://goo.gl/maps/P2G3jJ7y2ZK2) - vaporetto line 1] – Palazzo Mocenigo where you can find the Museum of Fabric and Costume with an interesting path on the history of Perfume [“San Stae” stop (https://goo.gl/maps/piUCU8WjkJD2) - vaporetto line 1]

for modern art lovers the obligatory stop is obviously at the Guggenheim Collection [hosted in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, between Accademia e Salute (https://goo.gl/maps/CjuHZqgfDXw) - “Accademia” stop - vaporetto lines 1 and 2]; for contemporary art: Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana [Palazzo Grassi is in front of the “San Samuele” stop (https://goo.gl/maps/PdE8WJK3xwk) - vaporetto line 2 - for Punta della Dogana the stop is “Salute” (https://goo.gl/maps/jtu3cbjpo9w) - vaporetto line 1]

if you have children with you, two nice solutions are: Museo di Storia Naturale, at the “Fondaco dei Turchi” (you can even find a dinosaur!) [the nearest stop is “San Stae” (https://goo.gl/maps/32Gq3LmeyNL2) - vaporetto line 1]; and the Naval Museum, with numerous models and real examples of typical Venetian boats [entry from Riva degli Schiavoni - the nearest stop is “Arsenale” (https://goo.gl/maps/gYE4Hj1LAUM2)- vaporetto line 1, 4.1 and 4.2]

As for the churches, two names on all: Frari (treasure chest of breathtaking works of art) [the church of the Frari is located in the heart of the San Polo district (https://goo.gl/maps/2JkQZWMd1ZM2), a stone's throw from San Rocco] and San Giovanni e Paolo (a sort of pantheon of Venetian doges) [next to the Civil Hospital (https://goo.gl/maps/viMzcacJZBn) - the nearest stop is “Fondamente Nove” - vaporetto lines: 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2]

If you are one of those who’s never tired of seeing churches (and in Venice there is reason!) I recommend the Chorus Pass. 18 churches will open up for you.

Advice n. 3: Music. Go see a concert or an Opera at the Fenice Theatre. At the Fenice it is also worth to follow a guided tour organized by the Theatre itself (timetables and reservations on the official website) [The Fenice Theatre is located between Santo Stefano and San Moisè (https://goo.gl/maps/7Ci2ykAhQDH2), in the San Marco district]. Still on the subject of music, you can visit the church of San Maurizio (a stone’s throw from the Fenice), where you will find a beautiful collection of vintage musical instruments on display. [San Maurizio is located near Santo Stefano (https://goo.gl/maps/qygHWdku2UC2) - the nearest stop is “Accademia” - vaporetto lines 1 and 2]

If you are satisfied with classical music, indulge in a variation on the theme and go to the Venice Jazz Club. The quality level is not high, it is very high! Ultra-advised. Book first! [Santa Margherita area, near San Barnaba (https://goo.gl/maps/KYqzNuM2tL72) - “Ca' Rezzonico” stop - vaporetto line 1]

Advice n. 4: Lock yourself in a library. At Querini Stampalia, in addition to the luxury of enjoying a wonderful place, you can further expand your already extensive culture.

But you can also simply distract yourself with magazines and newspapers, comfortably seated, watching the rain outside the windows. [in Campo Santa Maria Formosa (https://goo.gl/maps/tzVDyHKUQG12) a few minutes from Piazza San Marco]

Still on the subject of books, an experience to try absolutely is to visit the Acqua Alta Bookshop. Defined by many the most beautiful bookshop in the world. I do not agree, it is not beautiful, but it is certainly original and extravagant! [in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa (https://goo.gl/maps/Cz8CJSeHPCm), coming from the square, you find it towards the end, on your left]

Advice n. 5: Learn to do something with your hands: take a lesson in craftsmanship. You can find it for all tastes: from the masks (for example at Ca’ Macana – to be clear they are the ones who provided the masks for the movie Eyes Wide Shut by Stanley Kubrick) to the glass (for example at Muranero, the first Senegalese in the history of the Venice who works the glass like a true Muranese master). [Ca' Macana is a few meters from San Barnaba (https://goo.gl/maps/tV6k2b5gTT32) - “Ca' Rezzonico” stop - vaporetto line 1 - while you can find Muranero just behind Bragora to go towards Sant'Antonin (https://goo.gl/maps/MJQKzwVNKiJ2)].

If instead you are attracted to the table rather than the artisan, you could do a Venetian cooking class.

Advice n. 6: Well, an always intriguing way to use the time when forced to stay closed by rain is undoubtedly eating and drinking!

The let’s go with a Bacaro Tour! In the Rialto area you will find so many and so close that the routes to be covered in the rain, if necessary, to go from one bacaro (typical venetian bar) to another are really minimal. And in any case, after a couple of spritz and wine glasses, the rain will be the last of your problems

If you do not want to drink at random, you can try a wine tasting tour accompanied by a real expert.

Alternatively, a pleasant refuge from the rain is the tea-room with a Japanese name that I’m not able to pronounce (Fujiyama). A nice hot herbal tea, two biscuits or a slice of homemade cake, while it’s raining outside, it always has its own reason. [You can find it in Calle Lunga San Barnaba, more or less in the middle of the long street (https://goo.gl/maps/huAAoakofhS2)]

Another good way to warm you up is with a coffee or a hot chocolate (or both of course): two interesting addresses: Torrefazione Marchi [in San Leonardo a few steps from the bridge of Guglie (https://goo.gl/maps/gi1tH2YEEVz)] and the Caffè del Doge [in Calle dei Cinque in the Rialto area (https://goo.gl/maps/fdgUTsG5rU22)].

Advice n. 7: If you have money to throw away then go to the Casino, in the wonderful Palazzo Vendramin Calergi (it was also home to an inspired Wagner). Taken from the spiral of the game you will not notice the time that passes while in the meantime it has stopped raining … [the nearest stop is “San Marcuola” (https://goo.gl/maps/WUETUE6nfSJ2) - vaporetto lines 1 and 2]

If you do not have money to throw away, go to visit another one of a kind of entertainment place: Casino Venier. Now home to the Alliance Francaise, it is a true eighteenth-century jewel that has remained almost intact. You will have to pay a small amount but it is really worth it.

[the entrance is in the Sotoportego de le Acque (https://goo.gl/maps/KS341ZE3t8t), two meters from the Ponte dei Bareteri, halfway between Rialto and San Marco]

Advice n. 8: … but maybe this is the advice number 1: stay in the hotel under the covers

PS: here are some useful tips on how to get there and how to get around in Venice: www.tourisminvenice.com/blog/2014/07/13/reaching-and-getting-around-venice/

Venice transport

Public transport in Venice is quite complicated…

Avoid the crowd and take advantage of a private transportation!

We can provide private transports from the airport to Venice and vice-versa.

From the Railway Station, or from the Port, to your hotel or private accommodation.

We have different kind of speed-boat, for couple or families up to 8 people.

We also have bigger boat for small groups up to 30 people.

We can transport you and your baggage from everywhere to wherever you need to go in Venice or in the Venice lagoon.

We can provide a Grand Canal private boat tour. You will have the privilege to sailing along the Grand Canal and the small and characteristic canals of Venice.

We can provide a private transportation to Murano and its glass factories. Or to any other island you wish to visit.

We can provide an islands tour on a private yacht. Even a Gourmet Cruise!

For each of this service we can provide an Assistant or a Guide on board.

For example: if you need a transportation from the airport to your hotel in Venice, we can provide an Assistant who will pick you up directly at the airport exit, and escort you to the pier for the boarding on our private boat, and finally escort you just inside the hotel, at the reception for your check in.

For information and reservations: info@laltravenezia.it

Visit Venice and realize that the alarm on the unlivable city is overwhelmingly exaggerated

As I have seen in two days of inexhaustible beauty, Venice it’s a normal place, packed with some trolley of surplus at peak hours, but enjoyable anyway.

As I have seen it in two days of inexhaustible beauty, with visits to San Marco, the Cathedral, and Ca ‘Pesaro, Hockney portraits exhibition and museum repertoire of modern art, finally Tintoretto and Tiziano and Bellini and Palma Il Vecchio and “La tempesta” of Giorgione and the Triptych of Bosch at the Gallerie dell’Accademia, for how I wandered with the local boats (vaporetti), walked, stuck in the coffee bars or at Harry’s Bar, long way from Lido and return (and it was during the last days of August!) Venice is a normal city and normally frequented by tourists “touch and go”, obsessed by some trolley of surplus at peak hours but nothing else, and enjoyable three or four times more than the loved but congested Florence, with the line to the Uffizi Museum, and the small historic centre choked by the travellers and besieged by road traffic, and, in a sense, more than the vast and mobile city of Paris.

Yet Venice is considered, not only by the dandy who have been around for fifty years, and in this case one can understand the snob’s loss of not having it all by itself, but also by the great international press, by the constant talk, the committees for the closed number, taxes and other prohibitions a monstrous phenomenon of crowding without any measure. Of course, in the places of mass tourism, like Saint Mark, you can have huge crowds, I have to believe what I read and what is said and devalue what I see, and badly swallowed meals sitting on the churchyards, and some excess in clothing and in the behaviour, I have to believe in the contemporary legend of Venice sinking under the bountiful donkey of many millions of attracted visitors. But I did not see it, and it was August, and it was just yesterday. I have seen a fairly well-organized tourist flow, a stream and not a hell of a trap.

To begin with, you have to choose the right hours. At eight and a half in the morning I was at Florian Caffè in St. Mark’s Square, still closed, and until nine o’clock the square was deserted and the incongruous horses and columns and the Byzantine façade of the church and the griffins that grab Alessandro Magno, whose remains maybe rest in the Cathedral in the place of the relics of the saint as told me Francesco Cataluccio who was accompanying to me, waved in the light of the lagoon with an effect of everything in place and all at my complete disposal. At nine o’clock, before the opening of the tourists, there was the Mass and, observing the duty to at least partially attend the liturgical ceremony, it was possible to look at practically solitary mosaics and Christ pantocrator, iconostasis and secular stacks of various works seized from Venetian merchants to the bazaar of the beauties of Constantinople, a peek at the Zen Chapel and back to the square, while a crowd for the ordered and not so many truths of visitors to nine and forty began to infiltrate with the nostrils attracted by gold and the shimmering of the vaults in the Greek cross-structure. I had Saint Mark and her porphyry and its stars and her lion all for me, and that’s a fact. Being at 9 o’clock was not all that effort, even a suggestion contained in the guides. The half-hour of coffee finally opened in the square, with Chinese couples celebrating photographing “Venice wedding”, which replaced mannian death, and will not be a tragedy, it was half an hour of delicate new lights between old and new Procuratie, and there were few people, let’s just say.

Same experience at Ca ‘Pesaro: Hockney’s ironic portraits and pop slides all for me and for a few others, such as the Carraro collection and Zecchin glasses or Carlo Scarpa or the statues of Rodin and Arturo Martini and Medardo Rosso. In Paris there is always a crowd, in Florence you are always in a row, while in Venice Dorsoduro – nolite me tangere and believe me on the word – there were very few people. Public boats yarn wonderly, they run every twelve minutes, and are not so crowded with tourists as they say.
The next day at the Accademia, the same experience. The bar in the place had, at ten o’clock in the morning, three or four tables available in the shade, at the entrance to the Galleries there was no line, the public within scarce or just normal for a place so appealing to eyes interested in paintings, from Carpaccio to Tiepolo, hung between ceilings and marvellous screaming floors. And then, oooohhh, “La Tempesta” of Giorgione, as always a mysterious and seductive masterpiece as a few, we looked at it for a long time in four, then in three, then alone. Alone in front of “La Gioconda” or the Meninas I never found in my life.

You can visit Venice without the crowd.

Miracles of Venice.

Giuliano Ferrara

Venice cruises

Gourmet cruises in Venice

The comfort of a luxury boat, the delights of a traditional cuisine, the care and the services of a ten-year experience, the quiet of a lovely lagoon, the millenary history of Venice, for an unforgettable cruise!

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We can organize half-day, full day, or multiple-day trips.

Several itineraries you can choose from:

1- Southern lagoon: Giudecca (ancient venue of Venetian noble gardens, then place of the industrial revolution, finally place of modern urban planning) and island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni (seat of the ancient Armenian monastery)

2- Northern Lagoon: Murano (the glory of Murano glass) and Lazzaretto Nuovo island (the first quarantine site in the world; now home to a museum full of history)

3 - Northern Lagoon: Torcello (cradle of Venetian civilization, still stands the oldest basilica of the whole lagoon with its extraordinary mosaics) and San Francesco del Deserto island (seat of a Franciscan monastery; on this island San Francesco d’Assisi returning from the trip to the Holy Land)

4- Northern Lagoon: Burano (the pearl of the lagoon of Venice, with its colored houses reflecting in the canals, the famous lace and the delicious typical biscuits) and Lio Piccolo island (a place of natural beauty where you can imagine what the lagoon was in the past centuries)

5- Southern lagoon: Pellestrina (the genuine alternative to the highland beaches of the Lido) and Chioggia (the “small Venice” of the fishermen of the southern lagoon)